ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Star anise

Hey kiddo, let me explain to you what star anise is! Star anise is a type of spice that comes from the fruit of a plant. The fruit is shaped like a star, kind of like a ninja throwing star, and it has a really nice smell and taste. People have been using star anise for cooking and in medicine for a really long time, kind of like how we use band-aids when we get a boo-boo.

When it comes to cooking, star anise is used in things like soups, stews, and marinades to add flavor. It tastes a bit like licorice, so if you like that taste, then you'll probably like star anise. If you've ever had some warm apple cider with cinnamon sticks during the winter, sometimes star anise is used in that too!

But star anise isn't just for cooking! People have also used it for medicinal purposes. Sometimes people add it to tea to help with digestion or to clear their sinuses when they have a cold. Star anise has some really cool properties that can help with things like coughs and colds.

So, in short, star anise is a spice that looks like a ninja throwing star and adds lots of yummy flavors to food, as well as has some cool medicinal benefits!